Winter weather pick-me-ups

I'm definitely not a big fan of winter. The only exception is if it snows. But even after just two days of the pretty white fluffy stuff, I'm back to not being a winter fan. I think perhaps a lot of it has to do with the fact that up until into my adult years, I lived in very warm climates.

To help me combat the ever-imposing winter blues, I came up with a few winter 'pick-me-up' strategies to help me cope. If you find yourself in my boat, you might find my strategies helpful, too.

No. 1: Wear Bright Colors

Recently I was walking with my sister and my niece, and we all noticed the same thing at once. Everyone we passed was wearing dark colors. Greys, browns, blacks ... my sister even said, 'Boy, seeing all these dark colors in winter is really depressing.' We noticed we, along with very few others, were the only ones actually wearing colors. I do it on purpose because I know that wearing something brighter -- like red or green or blue -- definitely helps to lift my winter mood.

No. 2: Get a Hot Stone Massage

I admit it. I'm a total massage junkie. I believe it's one of the best things that you can do to supplement your health along with eating right, exercising, and taking your vitamins.

And nothing feels more delicious than when it's cold outside, you are inside, getting a massage with hot stones.

I went to my favorite massage place recently, and a therapist surprised me with using heated stones during the massage. It was perfect. The table was warm, the stones were warm, and I completely forgot that it was so very cold outside. It was wonderful.

No. 3: Make a Yummy Multi-Color Veggie Soup

You know that saying, "Eat your colors?" Well when you have your colors in a variety of nutritious vegetables in a thick and delicious soup, it's great to look at, smell, and best of all -- eat. The warm soup just warms your insides with its yummy goodness, and just makes you feel good. During the winter our bodies naturally crave hot foods, so a yummy veggie-filled soup does the trick.

No. 4: Watch a Comedy or Action Flick

Comedies are silly and funny, and winter is gloomy, so why not go to the movies and have a light-hearted laugh? There's enough drama outside. And action flicks are plain fun, so escape from the cold reality for a couple of hours, and enjoy a fun movie in the warmth of a theater.

No. 5: Sit Beside a Fireplace

It's cold outside ... so if you have a fireplace, then fire up that baby! Get a warm cup of hot chocolate (don't forget the marshmallows!) and sip, sip, sip. If you're being healthier, then a cup of soothing herbal tea will do the trick too. Sipping on a hot cup while sitting by the crackling fire just makes everything alright.

No. 6: Just for the Ladies

Why leave the bright nail colors for the summer? You need them now! Get a mani/pedi and use some bright colors on those nails. It's fun and a cheery surprise during the winter every time you look at them!

No. 7: Use Flower Power

Nothing will lighten and brighten your home like some fresh flowers. Once again, why wait until spring or summer? Flowers are wonderful all year round, so why not get some now? And just smelling those fragrant blossoms lightens your mood. Plus, it's a reminder that better weather is coming soon.

No. 8: Head Someplace Warm

For something more drastic, take a quick vacation to a warmer climate. It doesn't have to be the Caribbean. Florida or California is right up (or down) the coast! If you can't afford to go away, and you're in a location where it snows, then you're probably not that far from some slopes. Time for a ski or snowboarding lesson. Fun and exercise! Win win.